Canada's Role in Land Degradation and the Flour Fortification Initiative

Sustainable solutions are the best answer to the growing problem of disease and malnutrition. These problems are common in many developing nations, and millions die every year because of these problems. Land degradation and malnutrition go hand-in-hand because land degradation caused lack of agriculture; lack of agriculture leads to malnutrition. This article discusses how Canadian programs are helping to reverse the effects of land degradation and promote sustainable farming in semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. It also reflects on Canada's role in the Flour Fortification Initiative and the effectiveness of the initiative to meet its goal of nourishing expanding populations.

Canada plays a role in helping reverse the effects of land degradation, in semi-arid and sub-humid areas, by promoting sustainable farming. Canada has a large area of semi-arid and sub-humid land which suffers from land degradation (Land degradation). It is important to find sustainable ways to stop land degradation and promote sustainable agriculture because it provides people with the means they need to survive.

Programs trying to reverse and help stop land degradation have been around in Canada for a very long time, and Canada puts forth consistent effort in the fight for reversal of land degradation and the promotion of sustainable farming. "The first government initiative to promote sustainable agricultural development on the prairies dates back to 1886," and many more programs have been put into place since then (Desertification: a perspective on Canada, 12). Canada works cooperatively in many ways to develop programs that will help stop and reverse land deforestation. Conservation groups teach and raise awareness of the methods and need for sustainable farming; research centers "work to better understand issues related to soil organic matter, maintenance of genetic diversity, tillage systems, wind erosion, livestock management, and many other topics" (Desertification: a perspective on Canada ,3). Canada also takes part in many global initiatives for environmental improvement and awareness, and they especially help fight land degradation in developing countries through programs and providing information.

Canada plays an important part of the Flour Fortification Initiative, and the effectiveness of this initiative at meeting the challenge is important. The Flour Fortification Initiative is a program that promotes the fortification of flour with vitamins and minerals that are important to the human body and preventing malnutrition and death. The FFI was partially sponsored by the Micronutrient Initiative in Canada, and its effectiveness has been proven in many ways. In Canada alone a "48% decrease" in birth defects is attributed to flour fortified in folic acid (Flour fortification, 204). The increase in nutrients in flour may not reach all people, but it is one step in eliminating hunger, malnutrition, and illnesses associated with these issues.

Canada has played a valiant role in the global issues of land degradation and malnutrition. Sustainable farming is promoted and researched widely by Canada and programs created by Canada. The Flour Fortification Initiative is one example of Canada's role in helping the world work to a healthier future.

Reference

"Desertification: a perspective on Canada." Canadian international development agency . N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2011. .

"Flour fortification." Vitamins and flour . N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2011. .

"Land degradation - CIDA."Page de bienvenue de l'Agence canadienne de d©veloppement international / Welcome Page of the Canadian International Development Agency. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2011. .